Word Origin & History

oblivious mid-15c., from L. obliviosus "forgetful, producing forgetfulness," from oblivionem (see oblivion). Meaning "unaware, unconscious (of something)" is from 1862, formerly regarded as erroneous, this is now the general meaning and the word has lost its original sense of "no longer aware or mindful." Properly should be used with to, not of.

Example Sentences for oblivious

They sat there cricket and spider, each oblivious to the other.

To dismiss how these cycles continuously repeat themselves is to be oblivious to cyclic patterns.

What is surprising to me is how oblivious people are to the speed and magnitude of this progress.

My concern and you for some reason seem oblivious to it is that cultures come and go.

People surge into the shallows, oblivious of the shark danger.

These huge plant-eaters are oblivious to the consequences-for good or ill-of their dining habits.

When unanticipated events occur, the system is oblivious.

GM seemed oblivious to the lessons emerging from the electronics industry.

Its oblivious self-interest violates the unity of purpose that defines your system as yours.

The vast majority of organizations, that could tap into the financial pipeline, are oblivious to how to do so.